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How to Write Like a Professional

6 Surprising Mistakes That Make Writers Look Like Amateurs... and How to Avoid Them

Wednesday, August 3, 2011

Hope

Hope is a fly buzzing above your head, aspiring to go higher, happy to be free to fly wherever it chooses, following a dream of food in a not-too-distant sunset. Hope cures depression. Hope creates excitement. Hope is the heart of the world. As a teacher, I hope to one day have my own classroom. As a I writer, I hope to to plant the seeds of hope in the hearts of those that read my books. As a mother, I hope that I am teaching my children all the things that they need to know to be safe, healthy, and happy.

When hope is crushed flat like a fly under a rolled newspaper, there is no chance for a watermelon sunset. No looking forward to tomorrow. No buzz above your head aspiring toward the clouds, perhaps not even a hum in your heart.

A feeling that I am where I need to be right now gives me hope. A compliment of talent gives me hope. And a simple invitation gives me hope. No promise. But a bread crumb trail to follow. Hope for a picnic at the end of the rainbow. Fear of getting squished again? You betcha! But my heart's a humming and I'm making shapes from the clouds again. Excitement is buzzing again. Things are looking up and I hope WHEN (not IF) I have big news (no matter how long from now that will be), that you all will celebrate with me (classroom? book deal?).

Are you hopeful for a brighter tomorrow? On a smaller note, I just hope to get the laundry done and the bills paid tomorrow.

I help writers create compelling stories and build submission-ready manuscripts so they can run with their writing. Connect with hundreds of other writers on my FREE Facebook group, Writers Who Run (or Walk). ~ bit.ly/writerswhorun ~

Nice! We all have to keep hope. One of the greatest gifts I had as a teacher was getting my own classroom. That was so important. I did spend a couple of years dragging my life from room to room in a big blue plastic tote on a luggage cart and was thrilled to finally get my own room. I wish it for you. A room of one's own is every bit as important in teaching as writing. Virginia Woolf got it right. I will celebrate a room and your books with you!!